Your Guide to Utilities as First Time Renter

• Basic apartment utilities including electric, heat, and water will cost around $250 per month
• Landlords typically pay for trash removal
• Optional utilities include Wi-Fi and cable
• Some apartment complexes will charge a flat rate for utilities, which can include electric for the common areas and gas for each unit

Setting up rental utilities is one of the most critical steps in the move-in process, especially if you’re a first-time renter. It’s easy to overlook the less exciting details like utilities and pay more attention to the fun parts like planning your first dinner party in your new home. Utilities such as electricity and gas can significantly impact your monthly living expenses, increasing your overall cost of living.

To ensure your first apartment hunt and subsequent move are successful, we’ve answered any questions you may have about about apartment utilities, setting up utilities, how much it costs to turn on utilities for the first time, and managing your budget accordingly.

Which utilities will I need to set up as a first-time renter?

When you move into an apartment, you’re usually responsible for most utilities when renting. Which utilities you need to set up will depend on the terms of your lease, the location, and the type of dwelling. Some states have requirements for which utilities the property owner must pay for, but you can assume you’ll need to be responsible for most of them. Renting utilities you may need to set up as a first-time renter include the following:

• Electric
• Heat
• Water
• Gas
• Trash collection
• Cable
• Internet

How much does it cost to turn on utilities for the first time?

Generally, you should not encounter any extra costs to set up utilities as first time renter. Utilities like electric and gas will begin accruing charges for usage at the date they are set up. However, some internet and cable companies will charge an installation fee either upfront, or included with your first monthly bill. Common installation charges for internet and cable usually run around $90.

The cost of your monthly utility bills will be dependent on how frequently you use them, as well as several other factors including the following:

• The size of your space
• The number of roommates
• Building age and location
• Type of rental unit
• Seasonal changes

The size of your apartment, how many people you live with, how old the building is, and where you live all determine how you’ll allocate your funds for renting house utilities. For instance, you won’t need to crank up the AC if you live somewhere with mild summers. Similarly, some utility bills can fluctuate based on seasonal usage. 

Whether renting a house or an apartment, you may also have different utilities to set up before move-in, like coordinating with oil and natural gas providers. Ask the property owner for monthly averages to better estimate what specific utilities when renting a house or apartment costs. If you’re moving out of state, you’ll want to research the cost of living in your new area. You can also utilize user-driven sites like Numbeo that gather cost of living information from residents across the country.

As for cable and internet, do your research to find which providers offer the best packages or promotions in your area based on your individual needs. If you only use the internet for browsing, you probably don’t need to pay for lightning-fast service. Keep in mind, some apartment buildings have contracts with specific providers so your options could be limited in this regard.

Are utilities included in my rent?

Which utilities you’ll have to set up and pay for will depend on your lease, as services included in your rent will vary. Some large apartment complexes offer comprehensive utility and amenity packages, and others will require you to pay for these services separately. While water, sewer, and trash are commonly covered utilities, you must carefully read the descriptions of apartment listings and follow up with the property manager to double-check what your rent includes. 

There are pros and cons to having a utilities included apartment, and these could be a factor when making your decision on signing a lease.

Pros of having utilities included

• You’ll have unlimited use of appliances and amenities
• You won’t have to connect with multiple utility vendors
• You can avoid any connection or activation fees
• Centralized payments often go through a single rent portal

Cons of having utilities included

• You may pay more overall than if you were to set up and pay for utilities independently
• You’ll have limited control of heating and air conditioning settings
• Included utilities generally mean a higher total monthly rent cost
• It will be harder for you to establish payment history for credit reports

How to find an apartment with utilities included

Use the following steps to find a utilities-included apartment that works for you:

• Filter for utilities-included apartments during your search. When looking for units on a rental search platform like Zumper, use the filters to only view listings that meet your requirements. You can set the filter to only show you listings for utilities-included apartments to streamline your search.
• Check what utilities the rent price includes. Read the full listing to see which utilities the property owner or management company includes in the rent and which they do not. You should also confirm this with the property owner and check for the list of included utilities on your lease before signing.
• Ask if there are usage limits. In addition, it’s best to speak with the property owner or property manager about usage limits they have in place to moderate utility costs. Ask if they charge extra after a certain usage amount or if there are seasonal rates you pay.
• Negotiate with prospective property owners. If you struggle to find a utilities-included apartment, you might consider asking property owners if they’d be willing to put the utilities in their name and charge you a flat fee with your rent. 

How do I set up utilities as a first-time renter?

When will I pay for utilities?

Utility bills will all come separately, with gas and electricity coming in one bill, internet and cable in another, and water in yet another. Track all your utility costs and make on-time payments every month to avoid late fees. Each utility provider has a billing cycle with different due dates. Some providers will bill you each month, every other month, or every several months based on your plan or package.

Tips for saving money on your utilities

Here are a few handy tips to help you save money on your utilities when renting:

• Shop around for the best deals. Don’t just go with the first utility company you find. Take some time to compare rates and services to find the best deal.
• Use energy-efficient appliances. Appliances with Energy Star certification use less energy.
• Use energy-saving light bulbs. Replacing your traditional light bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs can also help you save on your energy costs.
• Weatherproof your home. Sealing up cracks and gaps in your home can help prevent heat from escaping, which can help lower your heating costs in the winter.
• Turn off lights and appliances when you’re not using them. That is an easy way to save energy and money.
• Set your thermostat wisely. During the winter, set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 degrees at night. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night in the summer.
• Take short showers. Shorter showers use less water, which can also help you save on your utility bills.

Common questions about setting up utilities

Q: Which utilities do I need to set up?

• Answer: The essential utilities typically include electricity, water, gas, and internet/cable. In some cases, trash removal might also be a separate utility. Your landlord or property manager can provide information on the specific utilities for your rental.

Q: How do I find out which utility providers service my area?

• Answer: You can usually find this information by asking your landlord, checking the rental agreement, or contacting the local utility companies directly. Additionally, online utility search tools are available in some areas to help you identify service providers.

Q: When should I set up my utilities?

• Answer: It’s advisable to start the process as soon as you know your move-in date. Some utility companies may require a few days to a week to set up services, so early planning can ensure you have essential services from the moment you move in.

Q: What documents do I need to set up utilities?

• Answer: Typically, you’ll need a government-issued ID, your social security number, and proof of residence, such as your lease agreement. Some utility providers may require additional documentation, so it’s best to check with them in advance.

Q: Can I choose my utility providers, or are they predetermined for my area?

• Answer: In many cases, you can choose your utility providers, especially for services like internet and cable. However, electricity and gas providers may be determined by your location, and you may not have a choice.

Q: How can I estimate the cost of utilities for budgeting purposes?

• Answer: You can request historical utility bills from the landlord or ask the current tenants about their average monthly costs. Some utility companies also provide tools or calculators on their websites to help you estimate usage and costs based on the size of the property.

Q: Do I need to be present for the installation of utilities?

• Answer: It depends on the utility. Some services, like cable and internet, may require your presence during installation. Others, such as water and electricity, may not. Check with each provider to confirm their specific requirements.

Q: What happens if I forget to set up utilities before moving in?

• Answer: If you forget to set up utilities before moving in, you may face temporary inconvenience without essential services. However, you can typically contact the utility providers and arrange for a quick setup, although there may be expedited service fees.

Q: How can I transfer utilities when moving out?

• Answer: Before moving out, notify your utility providers of your move and provide them with your new address. Some services may require you to schedule a disconnect at your old residence and a connect at your new one. Keep a record of these transactions for your records.

Q: What should I do if I experience issues with my utilities?

• Answer: If you encounter issues with your utilities, contact the respective service provider immediately. They will be able to guide you through troubleshooting steps or dispatch technicians to address any problems.

Remember to check with your specific utility providers and local regulations, as processes may vary depending on your location. Clear communication with your landlord and utility companies will help ensure a seamless experience in setting up and managing your utilities as a first-time renter.

Splitting utilities with roommates

Having roommates can ease a lot of the financial responsibility of setting up and paying for utilities as a first-time renter. It’s important to have conversations about which utilities each person will be responsible for before moving in. You can also utilize many apps for scheduling payments and tracking usage. Be upfront about your expectations for your living space ahead of time to avoid any confusion or tension when the time comes to pay your bills.

Frequently asked questions

Now that you have signed your lease and you’ve turned on the lights, it’s time to get settled in your new place!

Ready to find your first apartment? Browse hundreds of available apartments near you now!